Egypt Over the Counter (OTC) Drugs Market

Egypt Over the Counter (OTC) Drugs Market, By Product Type (Cough, Cold and Flu; Vitamins, Mineral, and Supplements (VMS); Analgesics; Gastrointestinal Products; Dermatology Products; Others), By Route of Administration (Oral, Topical, Parenteral, Others), By Dosage Form (Tablets, Capsules, Liquids & Solution, Creams/Lotions/Ointments, Others), By Distribution Channel (Hospital Pharmacies, Retail Pharmacies, Online Pharmacies, Others), By Region, Competition Forecast & Opportunities, 2028F

Egypt Over the Counter (OTC) Drugs Market is expected to register a formidable growth on account of high prevalence of common illnesses such as colds, coughs, headaches, and digestive problems, which has led to a significant demand for OTC medications to treat these ailments. Additionally, OTC drugs are generally more affordable than prescription medications, making them more accessible to people with lower incomes, thereby driving the growth of Egypt Over the Counter (OTC) Drugs Market. Furthermore, increasing awareness of OTC drugs and their benefits, as well as better education about how to manage common illnesses among the consumers, has driven the demand for OTC drugs in Egypt. OTC drugs are widely available in pharmacies, supermarkets, and convenience stores throughout Egypt, making it easy for consumers to purchase them, thereby supporting the growth of Egypt Over the Counter (OTC) Drugs Market. OTC drugs are seen as a more convenient and cost-effective alternative to prescription drugs and are often the first line of treatment for many common health problems.

In Egypt, there is a growing market for over the counter (OTC) drugs, with an increasing number of consumers turning to self-medication for common health problems. The availability of OTC drugs has improved over the years, with many pharmacies and drugstores offering a wide range of products without requiring a prescription. The most commonly used OTC drugs in Egypt are pain relievers, antacids, cough and cold medications, and allergy medications. Many of these products are imported from other countries, including the United States and Europe. The quality and safety of these products are regulated by the Egyptian Drug Authority (EDA), which ensures that they meet the required standards for efficacy and safety.

Increasing Self Medication

Increasing self-medication is one of the key drivers of the Egypt Over the Counter (OTC) Drugs Market. As people become more informed about their health and have greater access to information about healthcare products and treatments, they are increasingly turning to OTC drugs for self-medication. Self-medication with OTC drugs is convenient, affordable, and often effective for treating common health conditions such as headaches, allergies, and minor pains. This trend is driven by various factors, including rising healthcare costs, busy lifestyles, and the ease of purchasing OTC drugs without a prescription.

Moreover, the COVID-19 pandemic has further fueled the trend of self-medication, as many people are avoiding visits to healthcare facilities and preferring to manage their symptoms at home. As a result, there has been a surge in demand for OTC drugs for conditions such as cold and flu, cough, and fever. The increasing trend of self-medication is expected to continue driving the growth of the Egypt Over the Counter (OTC) Drugs Market in the coming years.

Growing Demand for Preventive Healthcare

The growing demand for preventive healthcare is also driving the growth of the Egypt Over the Counter (OTC) Drugs Market. As people become more health-conscious and seek to prevent health problems before they occur, they are turning to OTC drugs for conditions such as allergies, acid reflux, and heartburn. OTC drugs for preventive healthcare are often used to manage symptoms and prevent the onset of more serious conditions. For example, antihistamines are commonly used for allergy relief, while proton pump inhibitors are used for acid reflux and heartburn prevention. These drugs are available without a prescription, making them more convenient and affordable than prescription drugs.

Increasing Geriatric Population

The growing geriatric population in the country is expected to drive the growth of the Egypt Over the Counter (OTC) Drugs Market. According to Central Agency for Public Mobilisation and Statistics (CAPMAS), Egypt's elderly population had reached 6.5 million, of which 3.5 million were males and 3 million females in 2019.

As people age, they are more likely to develop chronic health conditions such as arthritis, diabetes, and hypertension, which may require ongoing treatment and management. OTC drugs can play an important role in managing these conditions, as well as alleviating symptoms such as pain, inflammation, and stiffness. The aging population is also more likely to experience common health problems such as joint pain, insomnia, and digestive issues, which can be effectively managed with OTC drugs. For example, analgesics such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen are commonly used for pain relief, while sleep aids and laxatives are used for insomnia and constipation, respectively. Moreover, as the aging population continues to grow, there is an increased demand for healthcare products and services that cater to their specific needs. This includes OTC drugs that are formulated for older adults and address age-related health concerns such as osteoporosis, cognitive decline, and vision problems.

Technological Advancements

Advances in technology are improving the formulation, delivery, and distribution of OTC drugs, making them more effective and convenient for consumers. One major technological advancement in the OTC drugs industry is the development of new drug delivery systems. For example, transdermal patches, inhalers, and nasal sprays are now available for the delivery of OTC drugs, providing targeted and controlled dosages of medication. In addition, the use of digital health technologies is also driving the OTC drugs industry. Mobile apps, wearable devices, and other digital tools can help consumers track their health, manage their medications, and access health information and resources. This can improve medication adherence and help consumers make informed decisions about their health. Furthermore, technology is also improving the distribution of OTC drugs. Online pharmacies and e-commerce platforms are making it easier for consumers to purchase OTC drugs from the comfort of their homes, and same-day delivery options are becoming increasingly common. All these technological advancements are expected to support the growth of Egypt Over the Counter (OTC) Drugs Market during the forecast period.

Market Segmentation

Egypt Over the Counter (OTC) Drugs Market is segmented into product type, route of administration, dosage form, distribution channel, region, and company. Based on product type, Egypt Over the Counter (OTC) Drugs Market is fragmented into cough, cold and flu; vitamins, mineral, and supplements (VMS); analgesics; gastrointestinal products; dermatology products and others. Based on route of administration, Egypt Over the Counter (OTC) Drugs Market is categorized into oral, topical, parenteral, and others. In terms of dosage form, Egypt Over the Counter (OTC) Drugs Market can be divided into oral, topical, parenteral, and others. By form, Egypt Over the Counter (OTC) Drugs Market can be fragmented into tablets, capsules, liquids & solution, creams/lotions/ointments, and others. By distribution channel, Egypt Over the Counter (OTC) Drugs Market can be segmented into hospital pharmacies, retail pharmacies, online pharmacies, and others. Regionally, Egypt Over the Counter (OTC) Drugs Market can be split into Cairo, Alexandria, Giza, Qalyubia, Port Said, Suez, and Rest of Egypt.

Market Players

Bayer Limited Egypt, LLC, Inspire Pharmaceutical Company, Egyptian International Pharmaceutical Industries Company (EIPICO), Sandoz Egypt Pharma- Ibnsina Pharma, Eva Pharma, Pharco Pharmaceuticals, Amoun Pharmaceutical Company S.A.E. (“Amoun”), GlaxoSmithKline S.A.E., Sanofi Egypt, AstraZeneca Egypt, among others are some of the leading companies operating in the Egypt Over the Counter (OTC) Drugs Market.

Recent Developments

In January 2023, Sandoz Egypt Pharma and Ibnsina Pharma entered into a partnership to distribute and promote Sandoz over the counter (OTC) portfolio of products. This collaboration will help Sandoz strengthen the company’s commitment to widening access to its products through Ibnsina’s expansive nationwide network.

In October 2022, Bayer announced its partnership with an Egyptian pharmaceutical company to establish a drug production hub for over the counter (OTC) products under the auspices of the Egyptian Drug Authority (EDA). Bayer announced its three-year strategy to expand its business within the Egyptian market by producing 60 to 70% of its OTC drugs for consumers locally. Additionally, Bayer announced making an investment of USD12.67 million to establish the OTC products production hub in Egypt. Furthermore, Bayer also said that it would be re-launching its five over the counter products in Egypt by the end of 2025.

Such developments are expected to support the growth of Egypt Over the Counter (OTC) Drugs Market in the next few years.

Report Scope:

In this report, Egypt Over the Counter (OTC) Drugs market has been segmented into following categories, in addition to the industry trends which have also been detailed below:

• Egypt Over the Counter (OTC) Drugs Market, By Product Type:
• Cough, Cold and Flu
• Vitamins, Mineral, and Supplements (VMS)
• Analgesics
• Gastrointestinal Products
• Dermatology Products
• Others
• Egypt Over the Counter (OTC) Drugs Market, By Drug Delivery:
• Oral
• Topical
• Parenteral
• Others
• Egypt Over the Counter (OTC) Drugs Market, By Dosage Form:
• Tablets
• Capsules
• Liquids & Solution
• Creams/Lotions/Ointments
• Others
• Egypt Over the Counter (OTC) Drugs Market, By Distribution Channel:
• Hospital Pharmacies
• Retail Pharmacies
• Online Pharmacies
• Others
• Egypt Over the Counter (OTC) Drugs Market, By Region:
• Cairo
• Alexandria
• Giza
• Qalyubia
• Port Said
• Suez
• Rest of Egypt

Competitive Landscape

Company Profiles: Detailed analysis of the major companies present Egypt Over the Counter (OTC) Drugs market.

Company Information

• Detailed analysis and profiling of additional market players (up to five).

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